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Judge Gives Richmond ‘One Last Chance’

A Lake County judge gave a former Waukegan basketball star “one last chance” Friday to follow all the terms of his probation. (Credit: STMW)

WAUKEGAN (STMW) — A Lake County judge gave a former Waukegan basketball star “one last chance” Friday to follow all the terms of his probation.

Jereme Richmond, 20, was before Circuit Judge John Phillips for status of the state’s petition to revoke his probation. Assistant State’s Attorney James Newman said Richmond failed to provide his probation officer with his new cellphone number.

“The cellphone was his main contact with his probation officer. We want to amend the PTR (to show that he was) having a poor attitude,” Newman said.

Richmond is serving 18 months of probation. He pleaded guilty to aggravated unlawful use of a weapon for bringing a loaded handgun to his ex-girlfriend’s residence in August 2011. Richmond threatened to use the gun against her family, authorities said.

He failed to comply with some of his probation terms. He tested positive for marijuana at a random drug test in October. He also failed to show up for domestic violence treatment.

His attorney, Lawrence Wade, said that Richmond broke his previous cellphone.

“As far as the attitude, I believe Mr. Richmond understands this is an arduous process he created. I don’t think we will have further issues,” Wade said.

Richmond had told his probation officer that his cellphone was his personal business and when he walked out of his appointment, he said he was not coming back, his probation officer testified in court.

“If you are not the politest, most cooperative adult on probation services, we’re going to review your bond … I don’t want to see smirks. I don’t want to hear any repeat, any failure to communicate,” Phillips told Richmond.

Richmond is due back in court next Thursday.

Richmond helped lead the Waukegan Bulldogs to two state Final Four appearances. He played basketball at University of Illinois. He declared for the NBA draft, but was not picked up.